LATAM Airlines Pet Policy 2026: Dog Cabin Rules, Fees & Weight Limits

Quick verdict

In my experience traveling with Beckham, LATAM is a great option for dog owners traveling in Latin America. Especially if your route is operated entirely by LATAM and your dog is traveling in the cabin.

The biggest thing to watch out for is routing. LATAM’s pet transport is for flights that are operated by LATAM exclusively without any connections with other airlines or codeshare flights. This comes into play if your itinerary includes a mixed-airline connection or partner airlines.

• Best for:Small dogs traveling on LATAM-operated routes
• Biggest downside:Codeshare and aircraft restrictions can make itineraries complicated
• Overall: LATAM is a practical choice for dog travel in South America if you confirm the details before booking

LATAM Airlines pet policy summary

LATAM Airlines dog in cabin rules

LATAM allows small dogs to fly in the cabin on eligible flights inside an approved carrier for the entire flight. There is no strictly enforced weight limit provided your dog fits comfortable inside the carrier. They must be able to stand inside the carrier without touching the ceiling and move and turn without touching the sides.

Dog-in cabin travel is only available if your itinerary is exclusively operated by LATAM. This means no connections with other airlines and no codeshare flights. LATAM also requires the owner to have an Economy or Premium Economy ticket for pet cabin travel.

Before booking you should check:

• your dog is allowed on that specific LATAM route
• your aircraft accepts cabin pets
• your carrier fits LATAM’s cabin dimensions
• your dog can remain inside the carrier for the full flight
• your itinerary is operated only by LATAM
• your destination country allows your dog to enter

For the most up to date answers about route restrictions and special conditions you can check out the official LATAM Airlines website documentation.

Carrier Requirements

LATAM allows both soft-sided and hard-sided carriers in cabin and they have different size limits.

• A rigid kennel can measure up to 36 cm long x 33 cm wide x 19 cm high
• A flexible transport bag can measure up to 40 cm long x 28 cm wide x 25 cm high

Your dog has to stay in the carrier for the entire flight. The carrier needs to fit under the seat in front of you and your dog must be able to stand, move, and turn naturally without pressing up against the sides or top. A carrier can look perfect online but still fail at check-in if your dog cannot fit comfortably inside. Before purchasing a carrier for your trip it helps to compare LATAM’s rules with our dog carrier size guide so you aren’t relying on just the label.

LATAM Airlines pet fees

Pet fees with LATAM vary based on your destination, route, and if your dog is traveling in the cabin or in the cargo hold. Fees for in-cabin travel often range from $45 USD to $250 USD and cargo transport can range from $50 USD to $300 USD depending on the weight of your dog and crate. It is always safest to confirm with LATAM to determine the exact charges you will incur.

Flying with a large dog in cargo

If your dog is too large to fly in the cabin with you, LATAM may allow them to travel in the cargo hold as long as route, aircraft, kennel, breed, and weight conditions are met. The itinerary must be exclusively operated by LATAM with a maximum of one connection under 7 hours. Connections with other airlines or codeshare flights are not allowed for dogs traveling in the hold.

On single-aisle aircraft such as A319, A320, and A321 there is a combined kennel and dog weight limit of 32 kg for flights 4 hours or less. Flights of 4 to 5 hours and the combined weight limit is 23 kg. Flights longer than 5 hours do not allow dogs to travel in the cargo hold. Twin aisle jets like the B767, B777, and B787 have a kennel and dog weight limit of 45 kg. If your flight is to, from, or connects through Europe, Argentina, or Venezuela the maximum combined weight is only 32 kg.

The kennel must be airline-approved with a maximum size of 300 linear cm and a maximum height of 115 cm. There should be at least 5 cm between your dog’s head and the top of the kennel.

For larger dogs the first decision is whether traveling in the cargo hold makes sense. Our cabin vs cargo guide explains the tradeoffs before you commit to a airline or route.

Service dogs on LATAM Airlines

LATAM Airlines allows trained service dogs to travel in the cabin at no additional cost. Emotional support dogs are only allowed on flights to and from Mexico, Colombia, and domestic flights within Colombia. There are additional documentation and notification requirements that you must meet.

• You must provide official documentation or a training certificate from a school affiliated with Assistance Dogs International (ADI)
• Your dog must be at least 4 months old
• Must be clean, healthy, and well-behaved
• Leash or harness must be worn at all times
• Minimum of 48 hours advance notice required

If your are flying to, from, or through the United States you will have to follow the U.S. Department of Transportation rules and complete the DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form. If the flight is longer than 8 hours, LATAM also requires the DOT relief attestation form to be filled out and submitted.

How to book a flight with a dog on LATAM Airlines

Before you book your ticket you should confirm the full itinerary is operated by LATAM. This is important if you are using miles, booking through a partner airline, or connecting between countries. Once you know your route is LATAM operated check if your dog qualifies for in cabin or cargo hold travel.

Once you have purchased your ticket you need to call the LATAM contact center to reserve your dog’s spot. For in cabin travel this can be done up to 4 hours before departure, however it is recommended to do it as soon as your ticket is purchased as space is limited. If your dog is traveling in the cargo hold you need to request the service a minimum of 48 hours prior to departure. Space in the hold is limited based on aircraft model.

Routes & restrictions

LATAM’s pet policy is very much route sensitive. A dog can be accepted on one LATAM itinerary but not another because of aircraft type, flight duration, destination rules, connection time, or aircraft hold restrictions.

The most important restriction to keep in mind is dog transport only applies to flights operated exclusively by LATAM Airlines. If your itinerary includes another airline or codeshare segment your dog will not be able to travel. LATAM also has different cargo weight limits depending if it is a single-aisle or double-aisle aircraft. On single-aisle aircraft the duration of the flight also impacts whether dogs can fly in the cargo hold.

Your destination rules matter as well. LATAM may allow your dog to board but the arrival country may still require a health certificate, import permit, rabies documentation, parasite treatment, microchip, or inspection.

If you will be traveling to the US, your dog will have to meet CDC rules. Additional requirements may apply depending where your dog has been during the previous six months.

My experience flying LATAM with Beckham

Beckham and I have flown a few times with LATAM in Central and South America. One thing that is pretty apparent from the moment you check-in is how well the staff know the pet policy. They are very accepting of dogs and many times Beckham has stopped and received his free pets and scratches from the airline staff. These interactions never felt forced and the affection genuine.

The biggest advice I would give when flying with your dog on LATAM is to make sure your route is entirely operated by LATAM and make sure you book early and add your dog immediately after booking as the spaces always fill up fast.

Frequently asked questions